Comparison between periodized and non-periodized training in physical fitness: an umbrella review

Authors

  • Guilherme Lisboa de Serpa State University of Ceara
  • Sayd Douglas Carneiro de Oliveira State University of Ceara
  • Welton Daniel Nogueira Godinho State University of Ceara
  • Adriano César Carneiro Loureiro State University of Ceara

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v70.114374

Keywords:

physical exercise, periodization, non-periodization, sport

Abstract

Introduction: Sedentary behavior increases the risk of chronic diseases, making regular physical activity essential. Periodization or training programming is crucial to ensure effectiveness and safety, adjusting volume and intensity according to the individual's physical condition.


Objective: o synthesize reviews that compared periodized and non-periodized training on the components of physical fitness, helping coaches make evidence-based decisions.


Methodology: The review followed the PRISMA guidelines, was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021258620), and searched for studies between May 2023 and June 2025, in the Medline, EMBA-SE, Cochrane Library, Scielo and LILACS databases, as well as Google Scholar and others. Systematic reviews on physical fitness parameters were included, with methodological quality assessment by AMSTAR-2.

Results: The findings indicated that periodized training produced a moderately greater effect on muscle strength gains compared to non-periodized training. In contrast, both training approaches demonstrated similar outcomes regarding muscle hypertrophy. Overall analysis revealed considerable heterogeneity among the protocols used in the included reviews, as well as a need for further studies with more detailed descriptions of participant characteristics.


Discussion: Low adherence to AMSTAR-2 criteria compromised the reliability of the results. The lack of clear definition of periodization and data like average BMI hindered interpretation.


Conclusions: Periodized training has been shown to be more effective for strength and power, with similar effects on short-term hypertrophy; the studies presented relevant methodological limitations.

Author Biographies

Guilherme Lisboa de Serpa, State University of Ceara

Master in Physiological Sciences from the State University of Ceará (UECE). He has a specialization in Physical Exercise Physiology from the same institution. He has a degree in physical education from (UECE) and a bachelor's degree from the University Center of Jaguariúna (UNIFAJ).

Sayd Douglas Carneiro de Oliveira, State University of Ceara

He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education from the Federal University of Ceará - UFC (2019). He specializes in Kinesiology, Biomechanics and Physical Training from Estácio de Sá University (FIC). He has a Master's and PhD from the Postgraduate Program in Physiological Sciences at the State University of Ceará (UECE), and is a research member of the Laboratory of Biochemistry and Gene Expression (LABIEX). He is a research member of the Neuroinflammation and Neurotoxicology Study Group (GENIT). He is vice-coordinator of the Universo TEA Extension Project - UniTEA at the State University of Ceará. He has experience in the area of ​​Physical Education and Personalized Training.

Welton Daniel Nogueira Godinho, State University of Ceara

He has a degree in Physical Education (UECE / 2005), PhD in Physiological Sciences (ISCB / UECE / 2022), Master in Physiological Sciences (ISCB / 2017), Specialist in Strength Training (UECE / 2017), Specialist in Physiology and Biomechanics of Exercise (FIC / 2007), specialist in School Management (Cruzeiro do Sul / 2024). He is currently a Counselor of CREF5, effective member of the Brazilian Society of Physiology (SBFis), Affiliated to the ACSM (American College of Sport Medicine). He holds the position of effective professor at the Ceará Education Department, University Professor, Unifametro, president of the health chamber (CREF5), Scientific Director of the Ceará Federation of Bodybuilding, Bodybuilding and Fitness, president of the technical/scientific committee of the Ceará Association of Personal Trainers (ACEPT) was a temporary professor at the State University of Ceará from 2015 to 2023, has a line of research in neurodegenerative diseases, Exercise Physiology and Strength Training, author of a book and articles related to the aforementioned topics.

Adriano César Carneiro Loureiro, State University of Ceara

Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education (UNIFOR). Specializations in Nutrition and Physical Exercise (UECE), Exercise Physiology (UFPR) and Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (UFC). Master's Degree in Physiological Sciences (UECE). PhD in Biology/Physiology (UFRJ). Post-doctorate in Physiology (UFRJ). Improvement in Theory and Methodology of Training High Performance Athletes from the Russian State University of Physical Education, Sports and Tourism. He is currently an adjunct professor at UECE and a researcher in the Postgraduate Program in Nutrition and Health (PPGNS) and the Postgraduate Program in Physiological Sciences (PPGCF) at UECE. Federal Counselor for Physical Education at CONFEF. Member of the Brazilian Team in 3 Olympics (Athens, Beijing and Tokyo). He has experience in the area of ​​Physical Education, with an emphasis on Sports Training and Exercise Physiology, working mainly on the following topics: performance, physical training, sports, high performance, oxidative stress, metabolism, diabetes, special groups, nutrition.

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Published

2025-07-16

How to Cite

Lisboa de Serpa, G., Carneiro de Oliveira, S. D., Nogueira Godinho, W. D., & Carneiro Loureiro, A. C. (2025). Comparison between periodized and non-periodized training in physical fitness: an umbrella review. Retos, 70, 882–892. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v70.114374

Issue

Vol. 70 (2025)

Section

Theoretical systematic reviews and/or meta-analysis

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Copyright (c) 2025 Guilherme Lisboa de Serpa; Sayd Douglas Carneiro de Oliveira; Welton Daniel Nogueira Godinho, Adriano César Carneiro Loureiro

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